TRANSFER TO CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (CSU)
The California State University is one of two public university systems in the state of California. It is the nation’s largest university system, with 22 CSU campuses serving over 400,000 students. The CSU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in some 240 subject areas, as well as a variety of teaching credential programs. A select number of doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California or with private universities in California.
You can explore CSU campus by visiting websites to learn more about how to meet requirements to enter a CSU campus as a transfer student, where the campuses are located, which academic programs are offered by each one, how to apply for transfer, and more.
CSU Junior-Level Transfer Minimum Admission Requirements
Transfer students that meet the following requirements are eligible for junior-level transfer admission:
• Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units or 90 CSU-transferable quarter units.
• While students may complete any number of units at a community college, a maximum of 70 transferable units may be applied toward the total units required for a CSU baccalaureate degree. Coursework completed in excess of this 70-unit limit may be used to satisfy specific content requirements via "subject credit" but will not increase the total unit count toward graduation. Students are strongly advised to consult with a counselor to monitor their unit totals.
• Obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA* (2.4 for California non-residents).
• Please be advised that impacted majors, programs, and campuses may enforce supplemental admission criteria, including higher minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. For a comprehensive list of impacted programs and their specific admission standards, students should refer to the CSU Impacted Degrees database
• Complete the “Golden Four” (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/ Quantitative Reasoning) with a grade of C or better. Pass/No-Pass grades are not recommended in these areas.
Students are strongly urged to complete an approved General Education (GE) pattern. Effective Fall 2025 and for all subsequent terms, the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) shall serve as the required GE pattern for transfer to both the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Students must consult with a counselor to verify course alignment with Cal-GETC requirements and ensure compliance with their specific catalog rights. Students are strongly recommended to meet with a counselor to discuss additional requirements for competitive admissions based on major and campus choice.
Students are strongly recommended to meet with a counselor to discuss transfer requirements.
CSU Transfer Application Dates and Deadlines
Term of Transfer | Initial Filing Period |
|---|---|
Fall Semester/Quater | August 1 – November 30 *August 1st beginning for Fall 2027 transfer admissions. |
Spring Semester/Quater | July 1- August 31 for Spring 2027 transfer admissions. *Future terms, including Spring 2028, will be July 1 – July 31 |
All CSU campuses accept applications for the Fall term. For Winter or Spring terms, applicants must verify campus and program availability, as admission is not guaranteed for mid-year cycles. For specific filing periods and availability, refer to the Cal State Apply Dates & Deadlines portal.
The CSU application is available at: Cal State Apply.
Additional information is available at CSU Transfer Application Guide.
Students are encouraged to use the CSU Transfer Planner to track your units and see how they bridge into the application.